West Ham takeover: Keith Wyness reacts as rival deal close to being finalised

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Daniel Kretinsky’s Royal Mail takeover won’t prevent him taking full control at West Ham – if he wants to.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted he is “surprised” the businessman, 49, hasn’t already bought out the other Irons shareholders.

As per the BBC (28 November), Royal Mail’s sale to Czech billionaire Kretinsky’s EP Group is close to being finalised and could be confirmed in the next two weeks.

He completed his acquisition of a 27% stake in West Ham in late 2021.

As part of that deal, he agreed an option to take full control of the club at a set price – but is yet to make such a move.

West Ham is presently owned by four major investors – Kretinsky, David Sullivan, the Gold Family and Albert ‘Tripp’ Smith.

Kretinsky could still buy West Ham after Royal Mail takeover, says Wyness

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It’s interesting.

“We’ve all seen the ongoing battle with Kretinsky and his bid to take over the Royal Mail.

“It’s a big British institution, and there’s a big political element.

“Baroness Karren Brady is very involved in the politics of the country, as well as West Ham – and there could be a connection. I wonder if there has been any lobbying she has been able to help with.

“But I don’t think this takeover means a lot for West Ham.

“Kretinsky’s got the resources to buy the other shareholders out, as well as doing a deal for Royal Mail. What I’m surprised about is that it hasn’t happened already.”

In other news, big Julen Lopetegui termination fee update after sack news.

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